Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

[cjharnett]

Hi,

I have a UK passport and applied to get a multiple entry tourist visa at the Thai embassy in London, but instead received just a single entry tourist visa. Does anyone know if it's possible to get the multiple entry visa? Perhaps I just filled in the form wrong.

Also, is it possible to get the multiple entry visa at Thai embassies or consulates in countries neighbouring Thailand (Laos, Malaysia, etc.)?

thanks,

Chris.

[Mario2008]

A tourist visa comes with a number of entries, one, two three or four.

The embassy only gives single as they are free. You could have gotten a double entry in Hull, but would have needed to pay a administrative fee. (Multiple means that you have an unlimited number of entries as long as the visa is valid).

At this moment it is possible to get a free double entry tourist visa from Vientiane, Laos.

[thaiphoon]

How long are you planning to stay in Thailand/what is your travel itinerary? That may influence what type of visa is best for you. If you are here for the long stay, you are probably best applying for 12 month multiple entry Non-Immigrant O visa on the basis of visiting friends by post from an honorary consulate such as Hull. Unlimited number of entries and 90 day permission to stay on each entry. Do border run before visa expires giving new 90 day stay and visa can be stretched to 15 months.

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx

[cjharnett]

Thanks for the replies Mario and Thaiphoon.

The double entry tourist visa at Vientiane sounds good. Are there any special requirements? Is it issued next day?

I really appreciate the help.

Chris.

[thaiphoon]

No special requirements. Apply in the morning Day 1 and collect in the afternoon Day 2. With extensions and a border run in the middle that will give you nearly 6 months further stay.

[oqpala]

How long are you planning to stay in Thailand/what is your travel itinerary? That may influence what type of visa is best for you. If you are here for the long stay, you are probably best applying for 12 month multiple entry Non-Immigrant O visa on the basis of visiting friends by post from an honorary consulate such as Hull. Unlimited number of entries and 90 day permission to stay on each entry. Do border run before visa expires giving new 90 day stay and visa can be stretched to 15 months.

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx

Im thinking about that too... but what happens after 15 months? Can I ask for a new non-immigrant 0 based on visiting partner or have to switch to tourist visa again?

It's a bit more expensive but saves the trouble to go to immigration bureau every 3 months. And from what I understand, can go outside the country whenever you want without losing an entry.

Thanks!

[Lite Beer]

You would not get a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa in Asia for the reason of Visiting Girlfriend.

Wife? Yes.

At the moment the nearest place would be Perth. In 15 months? Who knows.

[oqpala]

You would not get a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa in Asia for the reason of Visiting Girlfriend.

Wife? Yes.

At the moment the nearest place would be Perth. In 15 months? Who knows.

no multiple entries? So only one entry valid for 90 days? So no point, might as well ask for a tourist visa then .... ?

[thaiphoon]

Non-O visa can be multiple entry but, as said, cannot obtain on basis of visiting friends within Asia region. You would need to travel outside the region to Perth or Brisbane or to one of the honorary consulates in Europe that issue. Advantage is unlimited entries and no need for extensions. But have to do border run at 90 days, same as tourist visa with extension. Cost is about 5,000 baht, but if on tourist visa would have to pay for extensions and renew visa at 6 months, so cost is about the same. And, with the current clampdown on back to back tourist visas, the tourist visa route may not be a long term solution.

[oqpala]

ah yes yes my plan was to flight to Perth next month (flight is around 20k bath though). I live with my Girlfriend in Bangkok.

The point was to save the hassle from having to go to immigration every 3 months and have to worry about getting a new tourist visa in 6 months.

So you confirm that if I go to Perth ask for a non-imm O visa, will I most likely "be safe" for 15 months?

Thank you!

[thaiphoon]

Multiple entry visa is valid for 12 months. You will need to do border runs every 90 days. Do a border run just before the visa expires and you will receive new 90 day permission to stay stretching visa to 15 months. You should ask for multiple entry Non-O visa on basis of visiting friends. Recent reports indicate you will need to take with you to Perth signed copy of gf ID card/passport (plus I suggest a short letter from her to the consulate requesting the visa be issued). Consulate is I believe only open 2 days a week (Tue & Thu), but check.

[oqpala]

yes you are right they are open on tuesdays and thursdays I contacted them.

By the way since it allows unlimited reentries, what if you exit the country after say 60 days? Do you have to exit the country again after 30 days?

Thanks!

[thaiphoon]

Every time you re-enter the country you will get new 90 day permission to stay whilst your visa is valid.